The global olefins market is diverse and can be affected by a number of factors. Strong demand for each olefin and key derivatives continues, with propylene growth slightly above ethylene, while butadiene supply is structurally short. Growth is led by the global polymers industry, with rates above GDP-type performance, and the strongest growth in emerging countries.
But what factors are at play here, what risks might be involved, and how will you know what to look out for now and in the future?
With more than 125 combined years of global petrochemical experience, including more than 60 years directly in the olefins and polymers sector, Argus’ experts will help you determine what trends to track and how to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing global markets.
Our coverage
Featured services
ARGUS Olefins Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and future-facing analysis of global ethylene, propylene, and polymers supply and demand, trade flows, and inventory levels each month.
ARGUS Ethylene and Derivatives
Access leading ethylene and derivatives contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Ethylene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive ethylene and derivatives data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS Propylene and Derivatives
Access leading propylene and derivatives contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Propylene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive propylene and derivatives data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS NGL Americas
This service is invaluable to anyone looking for insights into the domestic industry and its related commodity-related news including olefins, crude oil and natural gas.
ARGUS Global Polyethylene
Argus Global Polyethylene is a weekly pricing service covering key grades such as LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE. Our reporters globally examine polymer pricing, cracker margins, production outages and freight weekly.
ARGUS Global Polypropylene
Argus Global Polypropylene is a weekly pricing service tracking key grades such as raffia, fibre and copolymer. The coverage spans feedstock propane and propylene to FMCGs.
ARGUS Global Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Argus Global PVC is a weekly pricing service containing the latest resin price assessments, supply dynamics and demand information combined in a detailed commentary of key PVC grades and market fundamentals.
ARGUS Recycled Polymers
Argus Recycled Polymers is a biweekly pricing service delivering spot price assessments for recycled PET, recycled polyethylene and recycled polypropylene, plus supply dynamics and demand information.
ARGUS Butadiene
Access leading butadiene contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Butadiene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive butadiene data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS Butadiene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and future-facing analysis of global butadiene supply and demand, trade flows, and inventory levels each month.
ARGUS Polyethylene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and forward-looking analysis of global polyethylene supply and demand, trade flows and market dynamics.
ARGUS Polypropylene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and forward-looking analysis of global polypropylene supply and demand, trade flows and market dynamics.
ARGUS Olefins and Polymers Consulting Services
Improve your understanding of the ethylene, propylene, polymers and butadiene markets and devise strategies for success with tailor-made research performed by Argus’ in-house experts.
Key benefits
- Obtain independent insights: The Argus Consulting Services team builds from the latest market data to provide unique insight.
- Get local and global perspectives: We provide “boots on the ground” knowledge gathered through our extensive local and global network of more than 75 dedicated consultants with experience across multiple industry sectors.
- Utilise our end-to-end viewpoints: Our consultants track feedstocks (such as LPG, naphtha) and all key derivative products so that you have a completely integrated view of how your business fits into the marketplace.
- Data you can trust: Our forecasts are based on our comprehensive database of historical and current information and our daily engagement in the market. We do not purchase data, so our short- to long-term forecasts are more solid and dependable and are essential for quantifying investment risk for you.
- See scenario-based forecasts: We present you with scenario-based forecasts for supply, demand and market prices, so that investors can evaluate returns based on different potential future market directions. You also get to choose scenarios that you believe are most likely to occur.
- Find the answers you are looking for: Argus consultants advise you on how to formulate your strategies whenever and wherever you need it.
Key customisable features
- Market studies
- Price analysis and forecasting
- Supply, infrastructure and logistics strategy
- Investment and transaction support
- Policy and regulation
- Training
Global markets covered
- Ethylene
- Propylene
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Customers that benefit
- Corporations
- Government agencies/regulatory bodies
- Professional services
- Investors/private equity
- Trading organisations/financial services